Guizhou offers warm winter to tourists

By Zeng Jun and Jia Tingting ( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2014-01-03

Guizhou, known as the "garden province",attracts visitors from home and abroad thanks to its environment and beautiful landscape. Guizhou is also called the “cool capital” in summer, but what about winter?

Hot springs in Guizhou provide the answer. Taking a bath in a hot spring surrounded by mountains and snow is relaxing and enjoyable.

According to ancient descriptions, the hot springs, located at the foot of South Songming Mountain in Shiqian county of Guizhou province, are magical.

Bathing in winter will keep you warm. Bathing at night will help you sleep well. Bathing when you are tired will refresh you. Bathing will cure you of a cold. When the elderly take a bath, they will feel younger. Thus, the hot spring has been named the "World's Top Magic Hot Spring".

The hot spring water has a constant temperature of 45 C with abundant microelements such as strontium, radon, lithium and zinc. The hot spring water is both drinkable and effective for medical use.

A corner of the Xifeng hot spring

The Xifeng hot spring, located in the southeast of Guizhou province, 111 kilometers from Guiyang, is famous for its drinkable spring water measuring 53 to 56 C and bubbling over 1,000 tons per day.

Have you ever thought about bathing in liquid gold, why not try it? The Xifeng hot spring is named "liquid gold" and contains microelements such as strontium, radon, lithium and zinc. The hot spring water is both drinkable and effective for medical use.

The Baoli international hot spring in Wudang district of Guiyang.

Staying in Guiyang, visitors can enjoy the hot springs without driving far. Wudang district, a city of springs, offers various hot springs including the Baoli international hot spring, Guiyu hot spring and Quan Tianxia hot spring.

Have you ever been to a fairyland? This may be the closest thing.

The snow-scape of the Yu hot spring in Wudang district of Guiyang.

Stepping on the stone road, you will be presented with natural gardens with artificial hills and waterfalls. Along the road, hot springs appear around every corner.

Hot spring therapies are also available. Except for Chinese traditional therapies that add traditional Chinese medicine, tea, liquor or vinegar into the hot spring, hydrotherapy, hot spring fish spas and essential oil baths are also provided. More than just therapy, you will experience unique hot spring culture as well.

Tips for hot spring bathing

1.Take off metal accessories before bathing or they will turn black.

2.Wash your feet first, then bathe your whole body.

3.Rest every 20 minutes, and rehydrate your body by drinking some water or juice.

4.No massages while bathing or pressure on your heart will increase. Bathing in a hot spring will speed up your heart rate and blood circulation.

5.Use less bath foam after a hot spring bath. It's better to wash your body with clean water to maintain the mineral substance left on your skin.